The Sailing Club last visited the BVIs in 2016. It’s time to go back!

The British Virgin Islands in February claim an average temperature range from 78° to 83° F. Winds are usually from the east at 15-20 knots, and generally there are no large swells. Your Trip Leaders have requested fair weather, good breezes, and calm seas.

Each island in this group has a story to tell. A stopping point for early explorers and pirates, their names are prevalent throughout the island chain. Dutch privateer Jost Van Dyke organized the first permanent settlement of Europeans at Soper's Hole.

We will sail from BVI Yacht Charters at Ritter House Marina, Road Town, Tortola, in two lovely 2024 monohulls – a 44’ SunOdyssey and a 47’ Dufour. More information on these lovely vessels is described below. The plan is to moor or anchor every night, although there are marinas at some of the overnight stops if a boat wants.

The following itinerary is what we hope to do. Wind and waves may necessitate changes.

February 3 (Monday)
We can board the boats at noon. After unpacking and provisioning the boats, we’ll take a short sail to The Bight on Norman Island (7.5 nm) for dinner ashore,  either at Pirates Bight or the Willy T, a floating bar that encourages customers to dive off the upper deck into the bay. It used to be that patrons were encouraged to dive sans swimwear, although apparently this is frowned upon these days. Snorkeling and hiking are options if we arrive early enough.

February 4 (Tuesday)
From Norman Island, we head to Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, where we can explore the wilds of the Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy’s Beach Bar. (11.5 nm)

February 5 (Wednesday)
Our longest sail of the week (24 nm) is to Leverick Bay in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. The name translates to the “Fat Virgin." It was named in 1493 by Columbus, based on its resemblance from seaward of a reclining woman. For two hundred years it was a base of operations for pirates such as Bluebeard and Captain Kidd. If taking a mooring or slip at Leverick Bay Resort and Marina then enjoy some of the amenities, such as the pool and showers. Dining option - The Restaurant at Leverick Bay featuring Michael Beans Happy Arrrr musical comedy.

February 6 (Thursday) - Layover day
Enjoy a full-service spa, or rent a car, or take a taxi tour to explore the island. Visit the Baths, a National Parks protected area, for excellent snorkeling and the white sandy beach. Raft-up and appetizer party aboard.

February 7 (Friday) - Sail from Virgin Gorda to the Anegada anchorage.
Unlike the rest of the BVIs, which are volcanic in origin, Anegada is comprised of coral and limestone. It is 11 miles long, with miles of white sandy beaches. Visit Loblolly Bay beach, and rent a car or take a taxi to the Salt Ponds on the east end of the island, where pink Caribbean flamingos might be seen. Dinner option - grilled lobster dinner at the Anegada Beach Club (14.5 nm).

February 8 (Saturday) - Anegada to Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island
There is a sandy beach, fringed by palm trees, with excellent snorkeling at each end. Dinner option - Cooper Island Beach Club (22 nm).

February 9 (Sunday) - Cooper Island to charter company base
On the way to Tortola, we might stop to visit Salt Island, the site of the wreck of the RMS Rhone. The Rhone sank in a hurricane on October 29, 1867, with the loss of about 120 passengers and crew. It was featured in the 1977 movie “The Deep.” The wreck is more of a dive site, but snorkeling above it is popular, too. Must-go party (6.5 nm).

February 10 (Monday)
You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay on the boat. Clean up, pack, and off the boats by noon.

The Boats

We have reserved two beautiful 2024 boats. The Dufour 470 has three standard cabins and one "bunk cabin," and two electric heads. The SunOdyssey 440 has four cabins and two electric heads.

Revantador II, (Dufour 470)	TamElli, (SunOdyssey 440)

Getting There and Away

Tortola is served by Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS). Flights from the New York area connect primarily through Miami (American) or San Juan (United, Jet Blue). Connecting flights from San Juan are on Cape Air or Silver Airways, from Miami on American. If traveling on the 3rd, flights arrive in the afternoon. If interested in extending your time in Tortola, a list of hotels near BVI Yacht Charters base is on their website at https://www.bviyachtcharters.com/general-questions-about-chartering/#HOTELRECOMMENDATIONS.

Other Useful Information

A passport is required, and should be valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled return. Visas are not required for US citizens. The currency in the BVIs is the US dollar. Taxis from the airport is about $12 per person, with a $30 minimum.

The cost of the trip is $1,350.00 per person (Skippers and Trip Leader - $732.00). The trip price includes charter fees, boat damage insurance, cruising taxes, BVI Park Permits, dinghy with motor and gas, and a $210 per boat allotment towards mooring fees. Boat fuel, provisioning, additional mooring fees, any shore-side meals, local transportation, and other incidentals will be covered individually, or by each boat's crew. A $200.00 non-refundable (if confirmed) deposit is required to hold your position. Please make your check payable to The Sailing Club, Inc. and mail it, along with your completed two-page Reservation/Release Form, to Jan Cornelius at the address below. Reservations will be processed beginning November 30, 2024 with a random draw of those received by that date. All reservations received after that date are on a first-come, first-served basis. The final payment of $1,150.00 is due on December 10, 2024.

NOTE: A special cancellation policy applies for this trip. Any cancellations after December 10, 2024 will not be eligible for a refund (less the deposit), unless a replacement is found.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price. Confirmed participants should make their own decisions regarding insurance that would provide coverage appropriate to their needs and that they feel best protects them in their individual situations. Two useful resources for comparing plans is www.insuremytrip.com and squaremouth.com. Some credit cards also provide coverage. As always, read all policy terms and conditions carefully.

A pre-trip Zoom meeting will be held at a time to be announced. All participants should make every effort to attend to meet your crewmates, plan your meals, and discuss travel plans.

Please note that sailing conditions are dynamic, that your safety, and that of your crewmates, depends on your good physical health and agility.